#TheMods speak at Buklod-UPLB’s Youth Republic V

It was set on a Monday and the venue’s outside Manila, but we just can’t turn down an opportunity to share our experiences, especially to students and for a good cause. So when IGersManila was invited by Buklod-UPLB to join their Youth Republic V, we said yes. And so on the early morning of February 17th, we went on our farthest road trip so far – from Manila to Los Baños Laguna – the three of us #TheMods, as guest speakers, with Mommy A tagged along to join in on the adventure.

Formed in 2004 by a group of students who desired to effect positive change in the political scene of the University of the Philippines in Los Baños, Buklod is a recognized student political organization that upholds integrity, initiative, and involvement. And in this year’s Youth Republic V, held at the CAS Auditorium from 1:00pm onwards, the theme focused on the #GamerGeneration: Youth Creativity and Innovation.

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#TheMods prepping up their keynotes

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Ed Calaycay presents his topic "Photography as an Eye to Social Realism"

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#TheMods with their plaques awarded by Buklod-UPLB officers

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#TheMods wacky it up with the rest of the audience

Jumpstarting the discussion was Dr. Carl Balita, a DZMM Radio Negosyo Anchor, with his talk on “Social Enterprises for Community Empowerment.” Ed Calaycay gave a visually captivating presentation of “Photography as an Eye to Social Realism” with sample photos emphasizing his points, while Petim Maminta livened up the audience with a taste of IGersManila’s customary Porky Adobo activity, who later discussed “Advocacy through Visual Technology” using IGersManila’s previous social campaigns as practicable examples. Mine became more challenging as I was the last speaker, so I took to the lectern a more straightforward keynote on “Social Media as a Means of Promoting Advocacy” sharing the stories behind the founding of IGersManila and how we continue to evolve as a community.

It was a Monday well worth the long trip – we were able to snap a variety of beautiful greeneries surrounding the campus (without missing the iconic UP oblation of course), and get to share our Instagram’ing community learnings and experiences to students – it’s a photo walk, speaking engagement, and a road trip rolled into one – what we’d like to call #TheModsOnTour. And we’re excited where we’re headed next.